Parents Say School Officials Avoid Them

PALATINE — Parents protesting the use of the ``Impressions`` textbook series in School District 15 complain that they are being unjustly prevented from discussing the books with school officials.

Parents in a local group EXCEL 15 wanted the books pulled from classrooms because they said the literature contained inappropriate themes of depression, witchcraft and disrespect.

But the school board ruled last month that the children`s series was quality material that would continue to be used in the district.

The district gave parents who had submitted complaints about the books until March 8 to request a meeting with Supt. John Conyers and Assistant Supt. Hank Gmitro.

But Kent Kimball, an EXCEL leader and district parent, told board members at a meeting this week that the deadline ``openly infringes on our rights as citizens and taxpayers to seek an audience at any time.``

Board President Terry Francl said Thursday that ample notice of the deadline had been given and that the district needs to move on now that a decision about ``Impressions`` has been made.